2023 Memorial Day Issue

escue; Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer
foundation; and Pink Witches Night Out, an
annual fundraiser in October that benefits a
woman in the community in need of breast
cancer treatment.
Come holiday time, the Antlers adopt two
families and fulfill the wish lists of the children
by purchasing gifts.
Funds raised are also used to help defer the
cost of the annual Peer Leadership Conference
held at Ocean Place Spa in Long Branch every
February.
In its 34th year, the three-day conference
for middle and high school students features
motivational speakers who teach students to be
leaders in their schools and communities. It also
includes a one-day path to leadership program
for middle schoolers.
The conference is coordinated by a team
led by Lisa Rovito, the New Jersey State Elks
Association drug awareness chairperson.
Given her background as a certified substance
abuse counselor, Rovito, who lives in Hopatcong,
became involved with the Elks at the urging of
her late husband, who was a member for more
than 30 years.
What started primarily as a drug awareness
and prevention weekend, has evolved into
an all-encompassing retreat with workshops
that tackle timely issues such as social media
awareness, cyberbullying, emotional intelligence
and, of course, leadership, said Rovito.
“In addition to substance abuse, they address
dealing with stress, peer pressure, bullying
and just about every issue that teenagers face
today,” she said.
The 2023 conference attracted 450 Antlers
from across the state.
This was Rovito’s fifth year as state chairperson.
In the past year, she and Martin have swapped
leadership roles, with Martin taking the helm
as exalted leader and Rovito serving as group
leader and advisor for the Antlers.
The Antlers, too, take on leadership roles
within the organization, filling 10 administrative
positions.
Due to the hectic schedules of middle and
high school students, the Antlers hold most of
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their monthly meetings during actual events.
“Trying to get a bunch of high school kids
together for a meeting is near impossible,”
Rovito said. “Some are involved in soccer,
baseball, cheerleading. They are good kids. They
are active in everything.”
In moving the organization forward, Martin is
focused on the next generation.
“This isn’t your grandfather’s type of club,”
she said. “There’s a younger crowd.”
With a passion to serve their communities,
lead and make friends in the process.
“We make our time fun by bonding with
one another,” Erickson said. “I truly cherish the
friendships and the community that we have
built at the lodge.”
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Spring launch.
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